Cape town: The government has announced significant progress in the removal of sunken and abandoned vessels from Western Cape harbours, a move aimed at addressing environmental and safety risks.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, stated that the removal of these wrecks is crucial, particularly in Hout Bay Harbour, where they make up about 90% of the abandoned and sunken vessels. This initiative is part of an extensive effort by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to revitalize Proclaimed Fishing Harbours, including those in Lamberts Bay, St Helena Bay, Saldanha Bay, Hout Bay, and Gordon’s Bay.
A total of 37 vessels have been identified across these five harbours, comprising 17 abandoned and 20 sunken vessels. Six vessels have been removed or attended to by their owners, leaving 31 still needing attention. Of these, 17 small leisure boats in Hout Bay Harbour are slated for removal through lifting and cutting operations by the end of 2025.
The DFFE’s efforts are not only about mitigating environmental and navigational hazards but also about stimulating economic activity by creating more mooring space. This opens up opportunities for the fishing industry and coastal communities, potentially increasing demand for vessel building and job creation.
In Hout Bay, where the majority of the vessels remain, salvage operations for the vessels Edelweiss and African Unity have been ongoing for five days. Initial plans to complete the removal in three days were extended due to the complexity of operations and the discovery of an additional unidentified vessel.
The DFFE is working in collaboration with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to ensure the completion of these operations in line with the Wreck and Salvage Act. SAMSA continues to issue directives to vessel owners to facilitate removals.
Efforts include pumping water from the vessels and sealing holes to float and move them safely. Additional vessels in Hout Bay, such as Merlin, Blue Boat, and Spes Nova, are scheduled for removal by October 2025. Others, like Grant and another Spes Nova, target a December 2025 removal.
In other harbours, operations are similarly underway. In Gordon’s Bay, the sunken Dolphin is set for removal by a diving school, with a date expected by October 2025. Lamberts Bay and St Helena Bay have pending SAMSA directives for vessel removals, and Saldanha Bay has four vessels awaiting directives.
In May, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to remove these wrecks due to their risks to navigation, marine ecosystems, and coastal community safety.